UK for Iranians

The UK has agreed with Iran that from 20th February bilateral relations will be conducted directly through non-resident Chargés d’Affaires and officials. We will no longer have formal Protecting Power arrangements in place. This is the next stage of the step-by-step process of taking forward our bilateral relationship with Iran.

On 11 November 2013 the UK and Iran both confirmed the appointment of non-resident Chargés d’Affaires. Mr Ajay Sharma, current Head of Iran Department at the FCO and former Deputy Head of Mission in Tehran was appointed as the UK’s non-resident Chargé d’Affaires to Iran.

Our services

Visas

The UK remains committed to engaging with the Iranian people, even though we do not have a functioning embassy in Tehran. One unfortunate consequence of the closure of our embassy is that Iranians now have to travel to another country to obtain a visa for the UK. But we continue to welcome applicants via our visa centres worldwide. More details are available on the UK Border Agency’s website.

Travel advice

Information on staying safe and avoiding problems when living or travelling abroad, with links to our embassies, high commissions and other diplomatic posts across the world. Travel advice

Passports and emergency travel documents

British nationals requiring urgent consular assistance in Iran, including emergency travel documents should contact any EU Embassy in Tehran including the Swedish Embassy.

Passport services in Iran have been suspended. Any British nationals in Iran applying for their first British passport or requiring a passport renewal should use other passports (if they hold dual nationality) to exit Iran and make a full validity UK passport application elsewhere. Full details on how to apply for a new UK passport can be found on the Directgov website.

All UK Notarial and Documentary Services in Iran have been suspended. Please be aware that a consular birth registration is not mandatory under UK legislation, nor is it needed for a UK passport application.

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Contact us

The British Embassy Tehran remains closed.

Telephone:
+44 20 7008 1500

If you need routine consular assistance in Iran you should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on +44 20 7008 1500. In an emergency, you should contact any EU Embassy in Tehran including the Swedish Embassy.

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